Other images reveal that the ground opened up as a result of the natural disaster.

Incredible images taken by Dr Kate Pedley shows the effects of the earthquake in an area that has been sealed off since it happened.

She was among a group of scientists to be allowed onto the site, and this is what they were greeted with.

(Picture: Caters)

(Picture: Caters)

(Picture: Caters)

(Picture: Caters)

(Picture: Caters)

She said: ‘Maybe not as flashy as the ruptures north of Kaikoura but a complicated 3km-wide zone of numerous ruptures and associated structures.

‘Thankfully, those south and west of Waiau generally got off lightly, but it very quickly got messy for infrastructure to the northeast. The amount of associated rockfall, landslides and slumps were incredible.’